Investments and Insurance Policies - Premium Bonds are not transferable. The post office will issue you with a form that needs to be sent to the Bonds and Stocks Office. For further advice we suggest that you consult a Financial Advisor or Accountant.

Local Council - cancel any housing/rate benefits and council tax

Post Office - arrange redirection of mail, a small charge may be applied

Social Services ie. district nurse, home care, meals on wheels etc. If there is equipment belonging to either of these, it must be returned

Make sure all windows and doors are locked and secure, if there are any cat/door flaps make sure they are secured. In winter leave some heating on, as this will prevent any pipes from freezing. After clearing out the fridge and cleaning it, make sure that the fridge door is left ajar.

Any pets will need to be fed and re-homed and household plants may need to be tended to.

It may be advisable to let a neighbour have a key to remove any free newspapers and post to stop them building up. Blinds or curtains may be adjusted every couple of days, hence giving an appearance of the house being occupied. Time clocks can be purchased from most hardware stores, which can used to time a lamp or light to turn on turn off at certain times.